There’s fast money hiding in your closet and under your TV. Not eBay-power-seller money. Just “date-night by Sunday” money. You don’t need an auction strategy or a ring light—you need one clean listing, a fair price, and an easy pickup window. That’s it.
What actually sells fast
Think small, useful, and easy to carry: headphones, game controllers, tablets, monitors, routers, side tables, bookshelves, desk chairs, dumbbells. If it still works and someone can lift it without recruiting a friend, it’s a candidate. Grab three to five things you won’t miss, wipe them down, and set them by a window for photos.
Your one-page listing (the simple version)
Buyers scan, they don’t study. Give them the essentials in plain English: what it is, the condition, what’s included, why you’re selling, where and when they can pick up, and how you want to be paid. Keep it human.
Title: “IKEA Kallax 2×4 Shelf (Black, 57” wide)”
Price: $85, pickup tonight 6–8 pm (near Main & 5th)
Condition: Good—tiny scuff on back corner, solid and clean
Includes: Shelf + wall anchor kit
Why selling: Downsizing the office
Payment: Cash or Venmo; lobby pickup; I can help load
That’s the whole ballgame. No novel, no mystery. If it’s tech, add “works perfectly” and a quick note that you’ll reset it on pickup. If it’s furniture, one sentence about sturdiness goes a long way.
Price to move (without feeling like you gave it away)
Start at about 40–60% of current retail for clean, working items. In-demand tech or like-new pieces can push higher; “well-loved” pieces sit lower. A simple rhythm works: post at your first price; if crickets after eight hours, refresh the lead photo and drop 10–15%; after 24 hours, take the best reasonable offer. Bundles help too—“Both shelves for $120”—because people love feeling like they outsmarted the price tag.
Photos buyers trust
Natural light. No flash. One wide shot from the front, one from the back, a close-up of the brand or model, a pic of ports or any wear, and everything that’s included laid out neatly. For furniture, show it in a clean corner so people can judge scale; for tech, power it on for one shot. Five or six photos beat twenty chaotic ones every time.
Where to post (for speed)
Keep it local so you can close in a day: Facebook Marketplace plus one neighborhood group or building chat, and maybe Nextdoor. Shipping slows everything down and adds drama you don’t need.
Your first hour after posting
Turn on notifications and reply fast. Offer specific pickup windows—“I’m around tonight 6–8 pm or tomorrow 12–2”—and stick to a simple rule: first person to confirm a time gets it. You’ll avoid the endless “is this still available?” loop. If someone lowballs, counter politely with your best “today” price and a firm pickup time. Friendly and decisive beats haggling theatrics.
Payment and safety (the calm, boring part that saves hassle)
Meet in a lobby, porch, or public spot during daylight if you can. Cash or a payment app you already use—confirm “completed” before you hand anything over. No checks, no “verification codes,” no courier scams. For phones and tablets, sign out of iCloud/Google and factory reset together; for laptops, remove any drives you don’t want leaving the house.
If it stalls
No interest after eight hours? Swap the cover
